Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott will attend the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers 46th Annual Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland on November 17. New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers promote regional cooperation by building networks, undertaking collective action, engaging in shared projects, conducting research, and raising public awareness of mutual interests. Jurisdictions include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Québec. Following discussions, a news conference to discuss the region’s collaboration. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Williston—a timely milestone that comes just days before America Recycles Day on November 15. The $38 million project marks a major step forward in CSWD’s commitment to building a sustainable recycling future. The new MRF will replace CSWD’s existing facility, built in 1993, which has exceeded its operational lifespan and processing capacity. Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, the upgraded facility will significantly improve processing capabilities, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the continued affordability of recycling services for Vermonters for decades to come.

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) today announced funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Vermont as 3SquaresVT is now fully restored as a result of the federal government reopening. DCF will resume normal benefit operations immediately following guidance issued today by the USDA.

“The federal government reopening and resuming SNAP benefits is good news for Vermont,” said Governor Phil Scott. “There are over 63,000 Vermonters who rely on these benefits and I’m appreciative of the work of Congress to make this possible. I also want to thank legislative leaders for working with my team to issue temporary contingency benefits in the absence of federal funds earlier this month.”

VermontBiz With the federal government officially reopened, Vermont’s Emergency Board announced today that additional state-funded emergency SNAP (3SquaresVT) benefits are not needed, as federal funding for the program will now resume as normal. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, states will begin receiving federal SNAP funds within 24 hours. SNAP benefits will be reloaded to EBT cards on Friday, November 14th with mailed notices arriving on Monday, November 17th.

“Now that the federal government is back open, these essential benefits can continue as usual. But our work isn’t done,” said House Speaker Jill Krowinski. “While we’re relieved that Vermonters will no longer face uncertainty with SNAP benefits, it’s deeply disappointing that Congress failed to extend federal health care subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. The last few weeks have shown just how disruptive Washington’s dysfunction can be on Vermonters.”

VermontBiz Topnotch Resort, one of Vermont's most celebrated destination properties, today announced plans for a significant expansion and enhancement project that will elevate the guest experience while introducing 27 fully furnished luxury residences to the Mountain Road location. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2026 and be completed in phases to allow the resort to remain open during construction.

“This next chapter represents a thoughtful evolution of Topnotch that honors the resort's legacy while elevating every aspect of the guest experience,” said Matthew Wheeler, Area General Manager of Topnotch Resort. “Our owners, AWH Partners, have committed to substantial improvements that will benefit both our valued guests and residence owners who will become part of the Topnotch community.”

VermontBiz The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Williston—a timely milestone that comes just days before America Recycles Day on November 15. The $38 million project marks a major step forward in CSWD’s commitment to building a sustainable recycling future. 

The new MRF will replace CSWD’s existing facility, built in 1993, which has exceeded its operational lifespan and processing capacity. Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, the upgraded facility will significantly improve processing capabilities, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the continued affordability of recycling services for Vermonters for decades to come. 

VermontBiz The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has awarded $1 million in grants under the Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) program.

The purpose of the MTI program is to incentivize innovative strategies that improve mobility and access for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles for work trips, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

VermontBiz Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after voting against a continuing resolution that fails to extend Affordable Care Act health care tax credits: 

“I’m a hell no on any bill that cuts healthcare and skyrockets premiums for millions of American families. Americans are suffering through a health care crisis of Republicans’ making, after fifteen years of efforts to dismantle the ACA and replace it with nothing. 

Vermont Business Magazine Two University of Vermont (UVM) sustainability researchers—Asim Zia and Jon Erickson—will join the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Several scientists from across UVM will also attend virtually from the Green Mountain State with “observer status.” Asim Zia, of UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is organizing a high-profile panel focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and climate. Jon Erickson of UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources will speak about ecological economics, with a focus on regional climate solutions. Both are fellows of UVM’s Gund Institute for Environment. Zia will outline how AI-enabled technologies—such as early warning systems, precision agriculture, and climate diplomacy tools—can support global and local efforts to build climate resilience. The event brings together international experts and government officials. 

Vermont Business Magazine Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, November 15 and ends Sunday, November 30. A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if they did not already take one during the archery deer season.  The definition of a legal buck depends on the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).  A map of the WMUs is on pages 24 and 25 of the 2025 Vermont Hunting & Trapping Guide available from license agents and highway rest areas. In WMUs C, D1, D2, E1, E2, G, I, L, M, P, and Q a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler three inches or more in length. In WMUs A, B, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, N, and O a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler with two or more antler points one inch in length or longer.

Vermont Council on Rural Development As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Vermont’s villages and valleys are settling into the rhythm of the season. Vermonters are gathering for community suppers, tree lightings, and craft fairs, moments that remind us how much strength and joy come from being together. Here at VCRD, we’ve been reflecting on the year behind us and signing our annual fall appeal letters, a small but meaningful tradition that reminds us how many people make this work possible. Each signature is a note of gratitude for those who believe in the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Vermont Business Magazine FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc, the leader in whole-home energy management solutions, has announced its participation as one of the first approved manufacturers in the Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) Flexible Load battery storage program. The milestone follows VEC's decision to expand its program, offering homeowners better access to reliable, cost-saving energy management and storage solutions. The expansion, developed in collaboration with Texture, VEC's program partner, opens the door for additional battery manufacturers to join the initiative. FranklinWH will be among the first companies added to the approved enrollment form, with additional manufacturers expected to follow in the coming weeks.